The latest Olympic records support Bohl's thesis, considering that at Tokyo 2020 the Australian team broke their own record with nine gold medals; a total that led the team to second place in the standings, just behind the Americans, who won a couple more medals of the same material at that event.

Since then, the progression of the Oceanic athletes in the pool reached its peak at last year's World Championships in Fukuoka. It was there that they took first place ahead of the Americans, whom they now hope to surpass in the Paris Olympics, a feat not achieved at this level since Seoul 1988.

Olympic swimmer from New South Wales, Ian Thorpe, clings to these facts, praising the national team in the Brisbane Games events. Bohl has chosen to be more cautious in his statements, not underestimating the American team, full of champions and world records.

"Obviously, the US has been the number one nation in swimming for the last 20 or 30 years. No one has come close," said the coach from the team’s training camp in southern France. "Australia had a very good World Championship last year, but we must acknowledge that the American team was not in top form, while we had most of our best swimmers there."

The historical review shows a clear superiority of the United States when the demand is highest, as in the last six Olympic Games they have always finished in first place, while the Australians over the years have become their direct pursuers.

Within this eternal rivalry, some duels verge on the epic for fans: the battle between Australian Ariarne Titmus and American Katie Ledecky stands out, as they had a thrilling contest in the 400-metre freestyle final at Tokyo 2020. Both are ready to go at it again.

Also, in the women's 100-metre backstroke, there could be a great battle between Kaylee McKeown, who will defend her Olympic title, and Regan Smith, the American who last month took the world record from the Australian at the Olympic trials in Indianapolis.

The tension between the two teams was also evident a few weeks ago on NBC television, which aired comments from former Australian swimmer Cate Campbell, who called the Americans "bad losers" after what happened in Fukuoka. In response, Michael Phelps urged his team to watch that interview every day to gain extra motivation. "There's always a bit of rivalry," Michael Bohl said, downplaying the tension.